The Cubs have now dropped an incredible 11 straight games against the Brewers. It’s one of those streaks that would be hard to pull off half-intentionally, let alone when you’re really trying not to lose. There are only so many silver linings you can try to take when a team so thoroughly owns you all year.
It didn’t give the Brewers the division quite yet, but the win did clinch them a postseason spot. Bully for them.
For the 4th straight year, the @Brewers are in the postseason! #CLINCHED pic.twitter.com/inQjH6NTqZ
— MLB (@MLB) September 19, 2021
To the one bit of Cubs credit, they did some rare damage off of Corbin Burnes, scoring three runs in his six innings on three walks, a HBP, and six hits. He doesn’t have too many outings like that. And the Cubs also stopped his no-hit streak … a pitcher, no less:
Corbin Burnes did not allow a hit to 36 batters faced in a row, dating back to Sept. 5. That streak ends with a single by… Cubs rookie pitcher Justin Steele in the 3rd inning tonight.
That's the first hit of Steele's MLB career.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) September 19, 2021
Speaking of Steele, he was nasty tonight, but too wild to make use of it. He lasted just four innings, with four walks to match. He gave up only two hits and struck out four – he wasn’t super hittable tonight. He was just wild, which obviously won’t play. Just keep on getting in those reps, and if next opens with him as a multi-inning reliever waiting for another chance, so be it. This part of 2021 still would’ve been worth it.
The Cubs kept it close all night, but Manny Piña homered TWICE, including one late off of Scott Effross to give the Brewers the lead for good.
Sorry about the current reality …